THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,608 MLB PLAYERS | 16,397 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,608 MLB PLAYERS | 16,397 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Sign in Create Account
Sign in Create Account
Showcase  | Story | 6/13/2021

Czech Kovala makes Jr. Nat debut

Jeff Dahn
Photo: Michal Kovala (Perfect Game)

MARIETTA, Ga. – Perfect Game’s mission statement ever since beginning its rise to prominence nearly three decades ago has always emphasized creating opportunities and growing the game of baseball across boundaries and borders previously never crossed.

PG took a giant step towards establishing an international footprint in 2018-19 by holding European PG Series tournaments in the Czech Republic. Three years later, right here at the PG Junior National Showcase being played at the East Cobb Baseball Complex, the fruits of that labor were realized.



Michal Kovala, a 2023 right-hander/outfielder from Ostrava, Moravia in the Czech Republic, this weekend became the first product of those Euro events to perform at a national-level showcase event in the United States, this one on PG’s largest and most heavily scouted underclass stage.

“When I saw the email and the invitation, I was so happy because I know a lot of guys that are really good and they’re all here,” Kovala told PG Sunday morning, not long after throwing two shutout innings during the day’s opening game. “That made me feel like I had the chance to be good, too, and go to college, even D-I maybe. So I was really happy.”

Earning a scholarship to play college baseball right here in the United States is not just Kovala’s goal, it’s his dream. He’s listed at 5-foot-10 and 163 pounds and he’ll have his work cut out for him moving forward, but everything seems to be in place to make that dream a reality.

It’s already a story of drive and desire, promise and perseverance, sacrifice and success. Here is a teenager who has left family and friends behind a continent away to pursue the same carrot at the end of a stick that thousands of homegrown American prospects his age are also chasing.

The fact that Kovala even received that invitation to the PG Jr. National shows that decision-makers within PG already feel there’s a good chance Kovala can emerge on the other side standing tall, right alongside all of the other top prospects from the class of 2023 in attendance here.

While currently unranked himself, he is on a Gray Team roster on which every other 2023 prospect is ranked as a top-500 nationally, 15 of whom have already committed to D-I schools. Those numbers include top guys in No. 6 TayShaun Walton, a Miami commit out of Virginia, and No. 79 Dylan Questad, a Notre Dame commit from Wisconsin.

If his two innings of work here Sunday morning were any indication, he will most certainly continue to fill scouts’ notebooks with words of praise. He allowed one hit and struck out five in those two frames, showing a fastball that topped out at 89 mph and exemplary off-speed stuff.

The scouting report noted that Kovala “flashed a quick arm” and “filled up the zone” during his outing. The fastball “jumped out of his hand” and he was able to mix in a “parachute changeup” and a “tight spinning breaking ball” while remaining “very confident in his arsenal.” Simply put, the kid was impressive.

It’s not as if Kovala came completely out of nowhere. He actually debuted at a pair of PG Series events in Fort Myers in 2017 made possible through PG’s relationship with David Winkler, the head coach of the Czech Republic 18u National Team and the MLB Coordinator in the country.

“It wasn’t with the Czech National Team but it was just some of us guys from Czech playing in a tournament; it was a good experience,” Kovala said, adding that was the first time he had stepped foot in the United States.

Upon returning home, Kovala made his biggest impression with PG by taking part in a pair of events in the Czech Republic in both 2018 and 2019, first with the Prague Academy team at both the 2018 PG European Series Challenge and the PG Inaugural 15u European Classic.

PG returned in 2019 and Kovala performed with the Czech Baseball Academy Blue at both the PG European Challenge and the PG 16u European Classic, earning all-tournament honors in the latter. He worked 5 2/3 innings at the 16u Euro event, allowing one earned run (1.20 ERA) on two hits with nine strikeouts and four walks.

Kovala is now attending Combine Academy in Lincolntown, N.C.,  and performed for the championship-winning Combine team at the PG High School Showdown-Academies tournament in Hoover, Ala., in March. Kovala remembered fondly the first day of the playoffs when he learned in a hurry what bracket play at a PG tournament is all about.

“It was the first big tournament that we had and I must  say that the team worked really good together,” he said. “We had three games in one day and the third one was the most important because that was an elimination game. Everybody was so tired but they (left) their heart out on the field and we won that game, so it was really great.”

It was at the Showdown-Academies where PG National Scouting Director Jered Goodwin first got a look at the young right-hander.

Kovala worked an inning at the Showdown, striking out one while showing a fastball that sat 86-88 mph but, as Goodwin said this weekend, he remembered thinking, “There’s a lot more there.” Goodwin also noted that the breaking ball is really coming along and is much better now than it was just four months ago. But the biggest jump, Goodwin said, has come with his command, and that’s huge.

“You can see there’s clear development especially coming over here and kind of learning our style of game; he’s picked up on it very, very quickly,” Goodwin added. “Going to an American college, that’s a big, big deal because it does get really, really fast when that comes about.

“It’s been impressive to see. Especially spending two more years here he’s going to fit in with the American game just with the short time he’s been able to develop and how fast he’s picked it up.”

Kovala, an excellent student who speaks seemingly flawless English, was even more succinct in his own evaluation:

“They say you become a product of your environment, right, so if everybody’s throwing hard here you’re eventually going to be throwing hard too, if you put in the work,” he said. “I think I put in the work and I gained 5 mile-per-hour since last fall; I think it’s been very beneficial for me.”

There can be drawbacks to pursuing your dream a half-a-world away from home, with the most obvious being the absence of immediate family. Kovala admitted that when he was home with his parents, his mom would do his laundry and cook his meals, and a lot of his other basic needs were similarly taken care of by his family members.

“When I got here, it was kind of a shock at first,” he said with a knowing grin. “But I got used to it and I’m taking care of myself now.”

At the start of the summer, Kovala was staying with FTB/Phillies Scout Team recruiter and former San Francisco Giants scout Tim Rock in the Orlando area. He is now living with FTB teammate Anthony Saleeba, a top-500 2023 catcher/outfielder from Jacksonville who has committed to South Florida; Saleeba is also here at the Jr. National Showcase this week.

And family is important. Michal’s dad, Petr Kovala, was a baseball guy himself having played with the Czech National Team during his younger years; older brother, Tomas Kovala, also plays. A true athletic family, Michal’s mom, Pavlína Kovalová, was a figure skater.

“My dad played and my brother always played baseball so I just kind of fit into the family; I’ve played baseball since I was 3 years old,” Kovala said. “It’s been my hobby since forever.”

The family does go against the grain somewhat in that regard because as Kovala points out baseball isn’t among the most popular sports in the Czech Republic, although through efforts like those put forth by MLB and PG, it’s gaining traction. Kovala called it a “small circle” of around 2,000 people nationwide who are currently involved with the game in his home country, and that intimacy kind of makes it all the more special.

“It’s so friendly; nobody is trying to be disrespectful,” he said. “Everybody is enjoying the league and just focusing on the baseball part of (the game) and not all the trash-talking, maybe.”

Kovala plans on sticking around the States for a while, returning home to the Czech only during a Christmas break with other brief visits sprinkled in when time allows. He is already rostered with FTB Tucci 2023 to play at both the PG 16u Florida Elite Championship in Sanford, Fla., June 23-26 and at the PG BCS 16u National Championship in Fort Myers, Fla., July 6-11. More dates are sure to be scheduled and Kovala will be ready for the attention he’s sure to receive.

“I’m not trying to focus on the scouts,” he said. “I’m just thinking in my head, one pitch at a time and I’m just trying to focus on my game.”

Michal Kovala has received tremendous support and encouragement from FTB/Phillies Scout team personnel, mentioning specifically the aforementioned Tim Rock and FTB founder George Gonzalez. He also wanted to be sure to give a big shout-out to the Saleeba family for putting a roof over his head when he’s not out on the road playing ball with all of his new-found American friends.

Kovala feels like the coaches he’s come into contact at FTB have put him on a path to success and they’re influence has been immeasurable:

“It’s been amazing; I’m enjoying every single second of it,” he said. “It’s been a really good opportunity for me and I’m just trying to make the most out of it. … It’s always good to meet new people, have good connections and it’s just awesome being here...This is so much fun, I’ll tell you that. I’m just trying to focus on my game and be the best I can be.”

And to think it all started in the big Czech Republic city of Ostrava where with the encouragement of his dad and his brother he first started playing baseball as a 3-year-old. Perfect Game helped open a gateway to the United States and each time opportunity knocked, Kovala continued to open the door. Maybe – and with each new outing it’s becoming more probable – college recruiters will be the next ones to come knocking.

That was always my dream from the start of my baseball career,” he said. “I told my mom even when I was little that I wanted to play baseball in America and now it’s happening; I’m really excited for it.”
Give us your feedback
Showcase | Story | 8/13/2026

PG Honors Pat Gillick With Philly Showcase
Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
Perfect Game to honor Pat Gillick in new Philadelphia Showcase  By Maya Heyman Perfect Game is bringing its elite showcase experience to Philadelphia’s FDR Park for the inaugural Philly Stars/Pat Gillick Showcase this weekend, honoring one of the greatest executives in MLB history in the city where he constructed his final of three World Series winners. The event will take place on Sunday, the same day as the DICK’S All-American Classic, taking place just across the street at Citizens Bank Park.  The showcase will allow Philadelphia-area players to gain exposure and will also honor Gillick, who has been a tremendous influence in both professional and amateur baseball.   Jered Goodwin, Vice President of Scouting Operations for Perfect Game, said the idea came naturally.  “Going to Philly made a lot of sense to honor Pat Gillick, who's been a...
Read More
Draft | Story | 8/23/2026

2026 MLB Draft Report Cards: NL East

Tyler Henninger
Article Image
With the 2026 MLB Draft officially in the books, it’s time to evaluate how each team performed. Every draft class was graded using the standard 20-80 scouting scale with risk factor assigned. While these grades won’t be proven right or wrong for years, they reflect the overall talent, value, and upside each organization added to its system. NL East Atlanta Braves  Grade: 55 Risk: High Notable Selections: OF AJ Gracia (1st rd) | OF Carter Beck (PPI) | RHP Kaiden McCarthy (2nd rd) | RHP Jensen Hirschkorn (3rd rd)   OF AJ Gracia (@UVABaseball) is seeing the ball really well & picked up a couple of hits, including a 2B into RCF. Smooth LH stroke & easy impact. Showed + pwr in BP, 46 BB: 36 K. Jr./'26 elig. @PG_Draft pic.twitter.com/C4rSc0ZNIc — PG College Baseball (@PGCollegeBall) May 30, 2026 Atlanta had $15,870,800 to spend in this year’s draft,...
Read More
Draft | Story | 8/22/2026

2026 MLB Draft Report Cards: AL East

Tyler Henninger
Article Image
With the 2026 MLB Draft officially in the books, it’s time to evaluate how each team performed. Every draft class was graded using the standard 20-80 scouting scale with risk factor assigned. While these grades won’t be proven right or wrong for years, they reflect the overall talent, value, and upside each organization added to its system. AL East Baltimore Orioles Grade: 50 Risk: High Notable Selections: OF Eric Booth Jr. (1st rd) | OF Ty Head (2nd rd) | OF Kevin Roberts Jr (4th rd)  Eric Booth Jr. (26 MS) goes big fly 💣 that carried out oppo. Explosive athlete w/ huge LH juice & tools. Big time in several facets. #NatElite #Vandy commit. @PG_DeepSouth pic.twitter.com/kXl7ZVyD9G — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) July 12, 2025 Baltimore was about middle of the pack in terms of money available this year, having $13.1m to spend on their class. Booth Jr. is a...
Read More
Draft | Story | 8/24/2026

Area Code Gams: Prospect Recap

Steve Fiorindo
Article Image
Pitchers George Ferguson, RHP, Abilene HS  Ferguson toed the slab for the Rangers squad in game one of the Codes, setting the tone early with some loud stuff.  Ferguson attacked hitters with a verty fastball up to 96 that played well up in the zone with up to 24 inches of induced vertical break.  He showed more than just a power arsenal, going to the changeup often, using the pitch to put away hitters.  Kills the spin to the 1600’s, regularly getting 13-15 inches of horizontal break.  The slider rounded out the arsenal, working 82/83.  Struck out four over his three innings of work, two on the fastball, two on the change.  2026 PG All American committed to Texas.  Quinn Fitzpatrick, RHP, Stratford HS  Another 2026 PG All American out of Texas, the LSU commit punched out three over his two innings of work, allowing just one hit. ...
Read More
College | Story | 8/21/2026

2027 Draft Preview: Collegiate RHP

Ryan Miller
Article Image
2027 MLB Draft Profile Preview: College Right-Handed Pitchers  Throughout the 2027 draft cycle, I’ll be breaking down different demographics in the class. Today we begin with collegiate right-handed pitching, a strong group that is headlined by a legitimate 1-1 candidate in Dax Whitney. Most of the group is made up of high-quality power four arms, with a handful of mid-major arms mixed in. Below are the top college right-handers in the 2027 class:  Dax Whitney (@BeaverBaseball) showed LOUD stuff. FB up to 100, cruised at 95-98. Pair of plus secondaries. CB at 77-79 (2923) with sharp, 12-6 action. Firm SL at 89-91 (2714) with bite. Flashed fading CH at 87-88 (1425). Ranked No. 1 on the ‘27 board @PG_Draft So./‘27 elig. pic.twitter.com/9PNbjJ53Zo — PG College Baseball (@PGCollegeBall) February 13, 2026 Dax Whitney, Oregon State  Whitney has maintained...
Read More
All American Game | Story | 8/21/2026

Brotherly Love Inspires Carter Hadnot

Jim Salisbury
Article Image
PHILADELPHIA – Perfect Game has been a big part of Carter Hadnot’s life since he was 12. He participated in more than a dozen tournaments and showcases, including prestigious Select Festivals as a 13U and 14U player, as well as last summer’s PG All-Star Game for underclassmen in San Diego.   The PG event that Hadnot always wanted to be part of was the DICK’s All-American Classic. Now, that’s on his resume, too. He played in the 24th annual Classic earlier this week at Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies. “This means a lot to me,” he said during the event. “I always wanted to make it to Select Fest when I was younger. So, every time I get invited to an event it’s an honor and it’s fun. I don’t take it for granted. “This is definitely the one I always wanted to make it to. A lot of big names have...
Read More
Press Release | Press Release | 8/18/2026

Perfect Game & Delano Partner Up

Article Image
  667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923 www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   PERFECT GAME NAMES DELANO BAT COMPANY OFFICIAL WOOD COMPOSITE BAT PARTNER, LAUNCHES LIMITED-EDITION BAT SERIES   Delano Bats will serve as the Official Game Bat of the 13U Select Festival, taking place this coming weekend in East Cobb, Georgia   Sanford, Florida (Tuesday, August 18, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced a new partnership with Delano Bat Company, LLC, naming the company an Official Wood Composite Bat Partner of Perfect Game. The partnership will feature three exclusive limited-edition bat releases, which began with the Original Glory American Flag Bat in celebration of the United States' 250th birthday, that...
Read More
Draft | Story | 8/17/2026

2026 MLB Draft Report Cards: NL Central

Tyler Henninger
Article Image
2026 MLB Draft Report Cards: AL West | NL West | AL Central With the 2026 MLB Draft officially in the books, it’s time to evaluate how each team performed. Every draft class was graded using the standard 20-80 scouting scale with risk factor assigned. While these grades won’t be proven right or wrong for years, they reflect the overall talent, value, and upside each organization added to its system. NL Central Chicago Cubs  Grade: 40 Risk: Medium Notable Selections: RHP Cade Townsend (1st rd) | OF Caden Sorrell (2nd rd) | 1B Myles Bailey (2C)   RHP Cade Townsend (@OleMissBSB) sat 95-96 T97 w/ riding FB from fast arm. Nasty cutter at 88-91 is the go-to, showed biting 2 pln SL. Low-80s top to bottom CB & CH ~ 1300 RPM to round out mix. Has had a great spring & risen up boards. Soph./'26 elig. @PG_Draft pic.twitter.com/TAFbM37f5j — PG College...
Read More
Draft | Story | 8/17/2026

2026 MLB Draft Report Cards: AL Central

Tyler Henninger
Article Image
2026 MLB Draft Report Cards: AL West | NL West With the 2026 MLB Draft officially in the books, it’s time to evaluate how each team performed. Every draft class was graded using the standard 20-80 scouting scale with risk factor assigned. While these grades won’t be proven right or wrong for years, they reflect the overall talent, value, and upside each organization added to its system. AL Central Cleveland Guardians  Grade: 45 Risk: Moderate  Notable Selections: RHP Liam Peterson (1st rd) | Tre Broussard OF (3rd rd) | RHP Savion Sims (7th rd)  Liam Peterson (@GatorsBB) has been pure power stuff through the first 3.0 IP in his start vs Bama…imposing his will on hitters with a fastball that has grabbed 100 mph a few times, backed up by his power slider and curveball @PG_Draft pic.twitter.com/RVThNrdMTn — PG College Baseball (@PGCollegeBall) May 21,...
Read More
High School | General | 8/17/2026

Scott Wins MVP Two Ways

Jim Salisbury
Article Image
PHILADELPHIA – When the folks at Perfect Game reached out to invite him to pitch in the 2026 PG All-Star Game for rising sophomores and juniors, Cullen Scott had one request. “You mind if I get a couple of at-bats, too?” Along with his dad, Scott traveled from the family’s home in Texas to Citizens Bank Park. The trip proved to be a huge success as he starred on the mound and at the plate and was named the game’s Most Valuable Player. Scott, 16, pitched a scoreless first inning and struck out two. In the fourth inning, he belted a grand slam six rows up into the left-field seats to lead the National team’s 6-1 win over the American team. “He showed us why he’s here as a pitcher and a hitter,” said Greg Sabers, PG’s vice president of scouting and showcases. "He’s one of the top pitchers here, but he’s too good a...
Read More
All American Game | Story | 8/16/2026

Romero Slams His Way to Classic MVP

Jim Salisbury
Article Image
PHILADELPHIA – Sunday’s DICK’s Perfect Game All-American Classic was a pitching-dominated affair until the bottom of the eighth inning when the rain started to fall at Citizens Bank Park and Koa Romero stepped to the plate and did his best impression of Kyle Schwarber. Romero wears No. 12, just like Schwarber. He bats left-handed, just like Schwarber. He’s got big power, just like Schwarber. And at 5-10 and a rock-solid 225 pounds, he’s even built like Schwarber. Needless to say, Schwarber is Romero’s favorite player. So, it was all kind of storybook when Romero belted a grand slam to dead center to cap off the scoring in the West team’s 8-3 win over the East club in the 24th annual Classic. “This is a dream come true,” said Romero, who was named MVP of the game. “It’s amazing to be able to put a ball like that out of a...
Read More
Loading more articles...
About Perfect Game :: Contact us :: Terms of Use :: Privacy Policy :: Testimonials :: Job Opportunities
Copyright 1994-2026 by Perfect Game. All rights reserved. No portion of this information may be reprinted or reproduced without the written consent of Perfect Game.